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Planning Your Future

The time has finally come when I have to make the decision about which post secondary schools I want to attend, what I want to do later on, and basically make a plan that will determine my future success. Just yesterday it felt like I was graduating kindergarten, and now I am planning to graduate from high school next June. It’s surreal and almost heartbreaking how childhood has gone so fast. I remember as a kid, I waited impatiently until the day I would become an adult. I fantasized about my dream job, marriage and children (still a little too early for that!) I wanted to grow up so fast, but now I have reached the point where I am on the fence about transitioning into adulthood. I don’t want to leave the enjoyable, naive experiences of my youth, but I also want to get a grip on adulthood.

I’m technically not an adult, but I sure have to plan like one! For the past few months I have been doing a lot research on how to plan for my future and there are a couple things everyone should know when it comes to brainstorming for your future. Being an adult has its perks but knowing how to jump into reality like a professional can easily prepare you for the path ahead.

So here we go…

-Start to explore your interests in careers. Although it may not be 100% what you want to do, get a grip on your hobbies and/or academic interests that can help with what you may want to pursue later on.

-When you eventually discover a specific interest, start looking into post-secondary schools and familiarize yourself with the required high school subjects and grades you will need for a better chance of acceptance.

- Take time to plan and don’t stress yourself out too much. Yes, planning for future schooling and careers are important and they mean a lot so plan early. But if you are totally stuck, don’t stress too much. Your marks in high school still count and you should be focusing on that as well.

-Remember to get your community service hours plus more than 40 if possible. Getting out into the community can both show people that you are a reliable, and willing to learn individual, but it can also help you get experience or let you develop interests in certain fields.

-Working can help you earn extra money, and teaches you new skills. Of course work=money and money=freedom, but don’t burn yourself out. School for me is a first priority and then work and extracurriculars come next. I love having a job because it has taught me new skills like time management. But a crucial point is that if you see your grades slipping while you're also employed, then it may be a time to assess your schedule and de-clutter it.